Betel (Bulath) Leaves and the Oil Lamp

Meet Pathmalal, one of the gardeners.  We also call him "Defender of The Ducks" as he is the gardener who cares for them and knows more about ducks than anyone.

This morning however, he is setting out the betel leaves around the oil lamp as he does every single day.

Betel, also known as "pan" in Hindi, is offered to deities.

They are also incorporated into the Buddhist blessing of a marriage, a child will offer betel leaves to his teacher and in every home in Sri Lanka you will find a betel tray (or traditionally you would).